ACT 1

                                     SCENE 1

Palace. Mr President chambers.

[ Enters Joyce and Grace, the Williams wives, with pile of paper work]

Principal Williams    shall we begin.

Angelica                  isn’t grandma joining us today?

Principal Williams    no dear, your grandmother is out of town.

Angelica                  okay.

[ They sit]

Joyce                       The DM report shows how Williams stole R700 million for his private mansion in Dubai.

Mr President            no money was stolen. Media prank.

Grace                      Joyce if there’s something you wish to share with us please, this is the right time.

Joyce                       I’m just reciting what is written in the article.

Principal Williams    what do you have to say about all this brother?

[ Enters the Williams assistant]

Assistant                 your served.

Angelica                  what?

Assistant                 you madam.

Angelica                  me?

Assistant                 yes madam.

[she opens the letter]

Angelica                  father the JP pressed charges against you regarding the mansion you just bought in Dubai.

Mr President            the JP can go to hell for all I care. This is just a legal battle and without evidence there is no case.

Grace                      calm down George there’s no need to shout if you are innocent. This case was solved in 2014, why is the JP making fuss about a closed case? It was the DA, now JP? What did we do to these people to deserve all this hatred.

Joyce                       where is Frank?

Angelica,                 He visited his parents last week.

Principal Williams    Angelica will come and inform us about the case, this is the budget of last month, the teachers are complaining about their salaries and they need assistNFPe so they requested new teachers.

Grace                      I am sure that you can handle all that Pete, right now, we should focus on ceasing these charges.

Joyce                       I will assist Pete with the school issues.

Angelica                  what about my campaign? Who is going to represent me while I’m in court?

Mr President            I told you to stop that long time ago.

Angelica,                 I know father but I love it and at least I get to meet new people.

Grace                      can you put your campaign aside Angelica, we have serious issues unsolved. The Youth Foundation conference will be held in the next two months and Angelica you will attend.

Angelica                  why me?

Grace                      because I said so.

Joyce                       okay. So, what next?

Grace,                     I guess we are done for today.

Principal Williams    so it seems. I need to hurry to school, I have several errands to run.

Grace                      okay.

The meeting is over. Principal Williams and her wife left right after the meeting. Mr President and her wife left together leaving Angelica by herself. Frank returns late at night and finds Angelica still awake trying to solve her father’s case. Angelica live in the separate house in the palace while Frank lives in the main house with the President. Angelica is still in the main house when Frank returns.

[ Enters Frank]

Frank                       my favourite person in the whole world.

Angelica                  stranger.

[ They embrace]

Frank                       did you miss me?

Angelica                  too much, how are your parents?

Frank                       old.

[they laugh]

Angelica                  crazy head.

Frank                       how are you doing?

Angelica                  insanely busy.

Frank                       your always busy, let’s go out for drinks.

Angelica,                 I wish I could, my father needs me more than ever right now.

Frank                       working on a case?

Angelica                  yep.

Frank                       how can I help?

Angelica                  with my campaign please, please, I know you hate it but you’re the only person I can trust with it.

Frank                       seriously? I was hoping maybe you can pass me one of your cases.

Angelica                  please Frank, when I finish the case I’m going to take you out and introduce you to the most beautiful ladies you have never seen your whole life.

Frank                       now you’re talking, so what is it that you want me to do in your campaign?

Angelica                  just Enterstain the kids.

Frank                       the kids?

Angelica                  yes, they are well mannered and obedient.

Frank                       I’ll try.

Angelica                  thanks Frank, I don’t know what I would do without you, you are my life saviour.

Frank                       my welcome is really depressing.

Angelica                  oh… I’m sorry.

Frank                       really boring.

Angelica,                 I know.

Frank                       God. How old are you now Angelica?

Angelica                  28, why?

Frank                       did you know that people our age they are married with kids now? Just look at us, bored and lonely. We don’t have a life, we’re always working. When was the last time you had a boyfriend or I had a girlfriend? Did we even have one? God… I despise my fate if it is what I am living right now, so devastating.

Angelica                  why a sudden interest in all that, girlfriend, relationship thing?

Frank                       to be honest I feel lonely and useless sometimes, I really need a companion, tomorrow first place we stop remind me. I cannot continue like this, sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind, don’t you?

[ silence break]

                                         SCENE 2

 Hallway. The Williams Elementary school.

[Enters Angelica and Frank]

Frank                               what are we doing here again?

Angelica                          to show you my campaign office and kids.

Frank                                this is absurd, I need a wife not kids.

Angelica                           seriously Frank, aren’t you tired of singing the same tune over and over again?

Frank                                 not until I find a companion.

[Enters Rachel]

Rachel                               good morning fellows, how can I assist you?

Frank                                 who are you?

Rachel                                I’m sorry sir my name is Rachel the new intern.

Frank                                 ow! I see, listen to me very clear what is your name again?

Rachel                                I’m Rachel sir.

Frank                                  okay Rachel, me and this lady by my side own this school so next time before you apply for any job in any company, you must first make a research and find out about the background of the company and the images of the owners okay?

Rachel                                sorry sir, sorry mam.

Angelica                             there is no need to apologise Rachel, ignore him, none of both of us own this school but we are the employees. It was nice meeting you.

Rachel                                 thanks mam.

Angelica                              I’m Angelica and this rude guy by my side is Frank.

Rachel                                  okay.

[She Exit]

Angelica                              seriously Frank, you need to calm down, you cannot go around torturing innocent girls because you are depressed especially not when you’re with me.

Frank                                    I am sorry, I can’t focus.

Angelica                               just...

Frank                                    okay, I’ll try to...

[ Angelica and Frank Enters the office]

Frank                                  I am sorry Angelica but I can’t handle this.

[Enters Principal Williams]

Frank                                   Mr Williams.

Angelica                              uncle help me with your niece, has been acting like a maniac ever since he landed in the palace last night.

Principal Williams               what’s going on son?

Frank                                     I don’t know Mr Williams. I can’t feel myself, it’s like I’m going insane.

[Rachel passes]

Mr Williams                         hey… Rachel can you come in here please?

Rachel                                    sir.

Mr Williams                          meet my two niece, Angelica and Frank and Frank meet Rachel.

Frank                                      we already met her, you can get lost.

Angelica                                  hey Frank stop it please.

Frank                                       stop what? are you still here?

[Frank faints]

[Exeunt]

                                     SCENE 3

Right after Frank collapsed Angelica asked for a private conversation between her and Rachel about Frank. She asked Rachel to pretend to be interested in him for as long as she can. It sounded a little bit awkward for Rachel especially after the way Frank treated her, because somehow it was lucid that Frank wants nothing to do with her. For the sake of her secret that led her to The Williams Elementary School she accepted the offer.  This is the beginning of Frank and Rachel. When Frank woke up he found himself surrounded by the only one person he mistreated. They both agreed to put it behind and start again. So interesting Frank invited Rachel for the dinner in the palace and without a blink Frank poured his heart out. So soon things will excavate. Being an imposter is better sometimes.

Late night, In the Palace dining room.

[Enters Rachel, Frank and Angelica]

Angelica                  twice a day, I must be the lucky lady tonight.

Frank                       so it seems my dear.

Angelica                  someone is in good mood, mind to share what is behind the gloating face tonight?

Frank                       there is nothing to tell my lady.

Angelica                  I think I will get used to this new gentleman soon, what do you say Rachel?   

Rachel                     is good we are all getting along very smoothly and I am honoured for the second chance Frank.

Frank                       I am the one who should say that and apologise for my bad behaviour earlier.

[they sit]

Angelica                  shall we eat.

Rachel                     I’m not really hungry.

Frank                       just a bite and we’ll call it a night.

Rachel                     if you insist.

[They Eat]

Angelica                  so Rachel, you never mentioned your last name.

Rachel                     pardon me.

Angelica                  your last name.

Frank                       is it necessary?

Angelica                  no I’m just curious.

Frank                       there’s no need to my dear, like she said “is good we are all getting along very smoothly”.

Angelica                  sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable Rachel, please forgive my bad manners.

Rachel                     it’s getting late, I should get going.

Frank                       I will drive you home.

Rachel                     I drove to here.

Angelica                  you have a car?

Rachel                     yes, I do.

Frank                       okay then.

Angelica                  ow! please excuse me.

Rachel                     hey, Angelica thank you.

Angelica                  what for?

Rachel                     everything.

Angelica                  your always welcome here, anytime. Good night.

Rachel                     good night.

[Outside the mansion]

Frank                       so, I guess this is good night then.

Rachel                     see you tomorrow at school.

Frank                       looking forward to. I was hoping maybe you can stay a little longer and let me show you around.

Rachel                     I would really love that but I have paper work that I must submit tomorrow to your uncle.

Frank                       I see, if you need some time I can arrange that only for you.

Rachel                     no thanks, I can manage.

Frank                       you are really hard to convince.

Rachel                     maybe you should try a little bit harder.

Frank                       thanks for the advice. I will keep it in mind.

Rachel                     thanks for the lovely night.

Frank                       okay, before you go…

Rachel                     you would love to know what is going on between us?

Frank                       I guess you read my mind very well.

Rachel                     can I at least think about it?

Frank                       take your time, no pressure.

Rachel                     thanks for understanding.

Frank                       drive safely.

Rachel                     I will.

Frank                       nice ride by the way.

[Exeunt]

                                                 SCENE 4

                                                    A yard.

[Enters Mr President and Angelica, with trowel, hand fork and watering can]

Angelica                  father I was thinking.

Mr President            what about?

Angelica                  this case.

Mr President            what about it?

Angelica                  don’t you think is time you and your old man talked?

Mr President            that will never happen.

Angelica                  why not? You use to work together back in the days.

Mr President            that is then and this Is the present.

Angelica                  how long do you think this feud will last and what is going to happen next? Just think of it, he is the only man who knows your secrets and your weakness and he won’t stop until you surrender.

Mr President            then he should be prepared because after this I am going after him and his family.

Angelica                  father, remember you’re the one who taught me that vengeance is not the key to green pasture and now I am telling you the same thing.

Mr President            I really appreciate your concern my daughter but I am a man and the president of this country so, if someone is tries to mess with those two values, I have no choice but to break my own bond.

Angelica                  I just hope one day all this come to perish.

Mr President            and that will be the day I see the world for the last time.

Angelica                  I hope it doesn’t end like that. Everyone deserves a second chance, where will good come from if we were all saints?

Mr President            every person is good in their heart.

 Angelica                 what is good if your conscience battle within you?

Mr President            I guess that is fear and doubt.

Angelica                  you are good in justifying every situation of your own.

Mr President            there is no evidence that I personally stole the government money, my savings are constant and the house I bought comes from my savings. I am a good man.

Angelica                  it’s the judge decision to make.

Mr President            I hope his hatred towards me don’t cloud his judgement.

Angelica                  so do I.

Mr President            what did your counsel say about all this?

Angelica                  no evidence just like you, that’s our strategy to win this case although there are some alterations.

Mr President            what alterations?

Angelica                  the mansion in Dubai.

Mr President            it’s personal.

Angelica                  okay father, your flowers are blowing it means things are looking good for you.

Mr President            I am not a looser. Water the red roses, soon it will be valentine, I would hate to see your mother jumping the fence.

Angelica                  Frank two.

Mr President            what about him?

Angelica                  he finally made a move.

Mr President            good for him and what about you?

Angelica                  still not ready.

Mr President            I am starting to think that you will be ready the day I die and that means I will never get to meet my grandchildren.

Angelica                  be patient father, you’re not going to die anytime soon just in case.

Mr President            when are you going back to the court?

Angelica                  this afternoon.

Mr President            good luck my daughter.

[Exeunt]

                                            SCENE 5

                                     High court.

[Two weeks later…]

Angelica                  your honour my client is an honourable man, respected and the president of our country, your president. I believe you know what he just did for our country recently, he donated seven million in a foreign country due to a natural disaster, he just built new hospitals in the other side of the country and shelters for the homeless. His bank records are constant. There is no evidence that links him to the missing money. All of this is false allegations. We all know that the leader of JP is my client old friend and if he knew from the start that my client is fraud, why didn’t he open the case then? Your honour the public funds goes to the nation as indicated in the constitution of Republic of South Africa 1996…

JP Lawyer               objection your honour.

Judge                      objection sustained.

JP Lawyer               thank you your honour.

Judge                      continue please.

JP Lawyer               in 2014 The DM report showed how Williams stole R246 million for his current mansion and recently he bought another mansion in Dubai. All these mansions are purchased using public funds.

Angelica                  objection your honour.

Judge                      objection sustained.

Angelica                  in 2014 The Electoral Court determined that the DA should send another mass SMS reading: “The DA retract the SMS dispatched to you which falsely stated that President Williams stole R246 million to build his home[Electoral] Code and Act.” Why would the DA agree to that if they were certain my client is guilty?

JP Lawyer               objection your honour.

Judge                      objection over-ruled. Answer the question Mr Snow.

JP Lawyer               your honour…

[silence]

Judge                      you can now present evidence to your allegations against the Williams Mr Snow.

JP Lawyer               your honour this is not allegations is the truth.

Judge                      then prove it, where is the evidence sir? Stop wasting my time.

JP Lawyer               in our hearts we know what that man did...

Judge                      the case is dismissed. Next time when you open a case against someone please make sure you have a concrete evidence because you can find yourself arrested for false accusations.

Angelica                  thanks your honour.

Counsel                   how did they open the case from the star without evidence?

Angelica,                 I have no idea what’s going on or this whole thing is about.

Counsel                   your father will be relieved to hear the good news, please send my regards.

Angelica                  why don’t you come over for dinner.

Council                    count me in.

[Exit]

In the palace, Dinner time…

[Enters Frank, Rachel, Angelica, First Lady and Mr President, all excited except Rachel]

Angelica                  mother when is grandmother coming back?

First Lady                she was supposed to be back tonight.

Mr President            my mother is still in honeymoon with her new lover.

Frank                       grandmother has a new lover already? Angelica are you hearing this?

Angelica                  yes, at least she doesn’t cry when they dump her anymore.

Mr President            Frank where are your manners? You want us to ask you to introduce your friend? I didn’t teach you that.

Frank                       I am sorry uncle. Rachel this is my family and everyone this is not my friend but my girlfriend Rachel.

First Lady                it is nice to meet you Rachel, keep it in mind that this is your home too, so feel free to come anytime and don’t hesitate to ask anything you want at all time. I am sure you and my daughter have met.

Rachel                     yes, we have met.

[Enters counsel]

Counsel                   I hope I’m not late.

Mr President            no my son, your right on time. Thank you very much for assisting my daughter.

Counsel                   anytime sir.

Frank                       you came alone?

Counsel                   yes Frank and if you’re wondering if I’m still single yes, I am and I can see that you came with someone.

Frank                       yes, I did and I knew you would notice. Rachel this is Vincent, the one and only good counsel you can find in the whole world.

Counsel                   no… he’s bluffing. Nice to meet you Rachel.

Rachel                     me too.

Angelica                  does this mean that I can go back to my campaign? and all thanks to you Vincent for being victorious.

Counsel                   I am thrilled that I helped but I will be much happier if you grant me your permission to go out on a date with me, is it fine by you Mr Williams and Mrs Williams?

Mr Williams             no objection your honour.

First Lady                It’s fine by me too but above all it is my daughter’s decision who she wants to go out with and when.

Angelica                  thank you mother.

Frank                       stranger, you can’t leave the counsel hanging.

Angelica                  why not?

Rachel                     I’m starving.

Servant 1                 shall I serve now?

Angelica                  yes, I am starving too.

The servant served. After dinner they all apart. Angelica was furious with Vincent’s proposal in front of her parents. She refused him once but he took advantage of her in front of her parents. Vincent knew that Angelica respect her parents and now Frank and Rachel are official couples although it is all an act. Frank is not a bad guy but Rachel is always annoyed by him. He’s talkative and inquisitive. Frank learnt who Rachel is really is but he didn’t tell Angelica or the family because he knew it would destroy their relationship not mention Rachel’s career. Rachel is having trouble with making Angelica recognise her. When Angelica accepted Vincent’s proposal during dinner in front of everyone, Rachel got jealous and irritated. All she wants is to be with Angelica. Her love for her as a child grew stronger as she grew older. President Williams called his mother and brother about the dismissal of the case. They were very joyous to hear about all this. Grandmother won’t come home and Angelica is worried because she’s the only person she can talk to about regarding everything including relationships. What happens when Angelica goes back to her campaign? she’s eager to know about Rachel. Angelica went through Rachel’s file, that is how she learned about her. Her old childhood friend whose father is the enemy of her father. Will Angelica expose her or not?

                                          

                                     SCENE 6

                   The Williams Elementary School.

[Angelica’s office, Enters Rachel]

Rachel                     you called for me.

Angelica                  yes, I did.

Rachel                     am I in trouble?

Angelica,                 I don’t know you tell me.

Rachel                     sorry I don’t follow.

Angelica                  you lied in my face.

Rachel                     do you want me to ask you what I lied about? Or should I start packing my stuff?

Angelica                  sorry woman, there is no need to storm out on me.

Rachel                     maybe you should start talking sense because I don’t have the whole day.

Angelica                  what?

Rachel                     you heard me.

Angelica                  okay, I think your work in this school is ends right now.

Rachel                     why shouldn’t you said so from the start instead of interrogating me like a criminal?

Angelica                  okay Rachel this conversation is over. Your salary will be deposited right away.

Rachel                     don’t bother.

Angelica                  what?

[Enters Frank]

Frank                       ladies… I brought you fresh coffee with doughnuts.

Angelica                  ow Frank, you such a doll.

Frank                       are you alright pumpkin?

Angelica                  yeah why do you ask?

Rachel                     you don’t have to speak for me Angelica, I can speak for myself.

Angelica,                 I know and I am sorry. You can go back to your work now.

Rachel                     actually that’s the reason I came here, I’m going back to Germany.

Frank                       what? when and why?

Rachel,                    I left my business with my older brother and now that his coming back here, there is no one I can trust to handle my business. First thing tomorrow morning I’ll be on my flight to Germany. Take care Frank.

Frank                       is that a goodbye? Our relationship is over?

Rachel                     I am sorry I kept you in the dark but thanks for caring about me, I will always remember you.

Angelica                  Frank can you please give me a moment with Rachel?

Rachel                     no need Angelica, it was nice to see you again, take care of yourself and please be happy.

[Exit]

Frank,                      I admit now that loneliness is my destiny. Don’t you wanna get out of this place?

Angelica                  I could use something strong too. Did you see that? God Rachel is a woman.

Frank                       yeah, she is, she just dumped me like a common stranger.

Angelica                  hey Frank I mean really grown up, remember I used to tell you about my childhood friend?

Frank                       how can I forget that amusing story, the love of your life.

Angelica                  it’s her.

Frank                       Rachel.

Angelica                  absolutely.

Frank                       your father’s enemy daughter? The one you were forced to be apart when you were young?

Angelica                  yes Frank.

Frank                       happy reunion.

Angelica                  Frank she was here and she’s gone.

Frank                       so?

Angelica,                 I didn’t even recognise her.

Frank                       God your sounding like Romeo now, I lost her too so let’s go out and celebrate our loss together.

[Exeunt]